Golden Corral vs Cool Hand Luke's Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Golden Corral vs Cool Hand Luke's including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Golden Corral Franchise
Cool Hand Luke's Franchise
Investment $2,700,795 - $7,037,915$373,000 - $1,817,500
Franchise Fee $50,000$50,000
Royalty Fee 4%-
Advertising Fee 2.4%-
Year Founded 19732004
Year Franchised 19862005
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee 15 years (plus two, 5-year renewal options)-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Golden Corral Franchise
Cool Hand Luke's Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • (or must have partner with industry experience.)
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Golden Corral Franchise
    Cool Hand Luke's Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Golden Corral Franchise
    Cool Hand Luke's Franchise
    Training On-The-Job Training: 665 hours Classroom Training: 8.5 hours Additional Training: At company training location-
    Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform-
    Marketing National Media Regional Advertising Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Loyalty program/app-
    Operations International franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 80% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 100

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (90% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Golden Corral Franchise
    Cool Hand Luke's Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Golden Corral

    Golden Corral restaurants began as budget steakhouses located principally in small cities from Virginia to Texas. In the mid-1980s, guest requests prompted Golden Corral to reinvent itself by introducing the Buffet & Grill Metro unit that features 160 hot and cold items, a carving station, and the Brass Bell Bakery, which offers rolls, muffins, cookies, pies and pizza made from scratch. The buffet was expanded in 2001 to include cooked-to-order sirloin steaks.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a restaurant ranges from $2,700,795 to $5,340,215 for the less expensive restaurant design, and from $3,453,379 to $7,037,915 for the more expensive restaurant design. This amount includes $51,400 to $4,482,285 that must or may be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.

    #90 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About Cool Hand Luke's

    Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse and Saloon opened its first location in Clovis Ca. in Dec. 2004. From the very beginning the locals named it the "Coolest joint in town" Since then we have expanded to 11 other units in California and one in Eagle Idaho. What makes us unique is our hand cut marinated steaks that come directly from our own Meat Company.

    Project Expansion

    We are looking for qualified franchisees to expand into new frontiers. Current Opportunity exists in the San Diego and Los Angeles Ca. area. Our Western Themed Wild West Grill offers communities an opportunity to "Step back in time and enjoy a unique dining experience with extraordinary value. Franchise Support

    Cool Hand Luke’s Steakhouse and Saloon is part of a family of Brands that dates back to 1964. With decades of experience behind us and the future before us, the Dynaco team will join forces with you to build your business on a solid foundation. Our team will assist you from the beginning steps including site selection, plan design, thru training and opening your restaurant. We offer a offer comprehensive training program and ongoing evaluation and support to ensure your success.

    Every decision made by the parent Company is made with the franchisee in mind. Food development, cost control, and expense management are handled by the President, senior staff and our franchise board. Knowing how important communication is to the success of a company, we hold various meetings throughout the year with franchise owners and our staff to discuss marketing, research and development, networking and many other issues related to our business. We come together as a team to plan, brainstorm, and guide our company to the future.